When in the Netherlands last week we visited the Helmantel museum in Westeremden and some of his paintings in the Havezate Mensinge museum in Roden. If you are ever in the Northern Netherlands then make sure you visit both of these. Henk Helmantel is a contemporary Dutch painter best known for his classically composed still-life paintings. They are simple and stunning in their colour and … Continue reading Helmantel – The Greatest Living Painter
Book – The Lost Message of Paul – Steve Chalke I have just finished a review copy of this book. I will be writing an article and a fuller review later on. Suffice it to say that if I had any hope that Steve Chalke would reverse his turning away from Christianity – they have been dashed. This is a better-written work than his previous…but … Continue reading Saturday Review 14 – The Lost Message of Paul; Owen Vol 10: Letters that Changed the World; Silly Wizard; Line of Duty; Castlehill Restaurant
Book – Milton Complete English Poems – 10/10 This is my favourite book of poetry. The Everyman edition is itself a work of beauty, fit for such beautiful poetry. Milton is a key writer in the development of English. His style, breadth of knowledge, intelligence, beauty and biblical grasp combine to make deep, beautiful and profound works of art. There are a variety of poems, … Continue reading Saturday Review 12 – John Milton; Titania McGarth; Marilynne Robinson; Melvyn Bragg on Tyndale; Quillette; Tim Shipman; The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind; Australia with Julia Bradbury; Runrig
Books – Some Pastors and Teachers – Sinclair Ferguson – 8/10 This is a long and wonderful book from my colleague, Sinclair. It is really a collection of essays on subjects which are particularly relevant to those of us who are pastors. In fact I would regard it as essential for any minister to have. If yours doesn’t then buy it for him. Sinclair begins … Continue reading Saturday Review 9 – Some Pastors and Teachers; Leaving Neverland; The Briefing; The Dark Side of the Moon; Ting Saboteur
Book – The Chappo Collection – 6/10 David Mansfield’s account of the life and work of John Charles Chapman – universally known as ‘Chappo’ is unique. It’s not a biography, it’s not a critical analysis and it’s not a theological reflection. It is just what is says in the sub-title “Life, Laughter, Leadership, Love in the Lord Jesus Christ” . I started reading this book when … Continue reading Saturday Review 8 – The Chappo Collection; Schindler’s List; The Moral Maze; The Scottish National Gallery; Hemma
This weeks Quantum looks at knife crime, The Birmingham school anti LGBT indoctrination protest; A chilling case of State abuse from Canada; Staying with Canada we look at the potential downfall of Justin Trudeau Jordan Peterson had this extraordinary appearance on Q and A in Australia – Transgender athletes – Sharon Davies – spoke out about the unfairness to women. Meanwhile Twitter banned Suzanne … Continue reading Quantum 32 – Knife Crime; Justin Trudeau; Jordan Peterson in Australia; KFC in China; Sharon Davies›; Birthstrike; Andre Previn
What a night it promised to be….Chinese dancing, music and storytelling, from the largest and most successful theatre/dance group in the world. Our wonderful children had bought us tickets for the Shen Yun performance in the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh (it was very generous of them as even the cheap tickets were expensive- although that did not stop the large theatre being packed). We were … Continue reading Chinese Culture, Cult and Communism – Shen Yun – A Review
TV – The Scots in China This is a short two part series on the Scots in China. Neil Oliver is a marmite presenter. You either love or hate him – many people find his voice really grating. I actually enjoy his style. The whole programme was intriguing- although it skirted some of the serious issues. How did the businessmen and media people justify working … Continue reading The Saturday Review (2) – The Scots in China; The Old Man and the Gun; Logic on Fire; Romans 9 – God’s Sovereign Purpose;
The services last Sunday are not up on the website yet (I will link to them when they are) but meanwhile here is Sinclair’s outstanding sermon and also a conversation I had with Mark Baddeley in Queensland Theological College in Brisbane which I had in May. Firstly Sinclair’s sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Then this conversation with Mark …he is a superb interviewer – this … Continue reading A Stunning Sermon and a Revealing Brisbane Q and A…
Welcome to Quantum no.18 – This is a bit longer than usual but there was so much to cover….enjoy. China – https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-21/beijing-to-judge-every-resident-based-on-behavior-by-end-of-2020 Taiwan – Rejects SSM – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-46329877 Christmas – Brunei – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/brunei-cancels-christmas-sultan-warns-those-celebrating-could-face-up-to-five-years-in-jail-a6782561.html? fbclid=IwAR0W6Sef4Tp1AacdVeCe8wUCB6mxX3_TiMTNQjPS3yXI_vDumVbsA1dmSdwMartyn Lewis – https://www.facebook.com/mrmartinlewis/videos/10155478443616540/ Censorship Derby Cathedral –- https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Cathedral-denies-banning-vicar-from-preaching-at-carol-service Glasgow and Aberdeen Unis – https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2018/11/the-real-reason-pro-life-students-arent-welcome-at-glasgow-university/ Vagina Monologues – https://nypost.com/2018/11/20/now-the-pc-police-have-come-for-the-vagina-monologues/ Jean Hackett – https://twitter.com/jeanhatchet/status/1067784361225924609?s=12 Transamania – Piers Morgan – https://twitter.com/i/status/1067390060977418240 Rainbow badges – … Continue reading Quantum 18 – China; Taiwan; Christmas in Brunei; Censorship ; Transmania; Rainbow Badges in the NHS; Anti-Semitism in Hungary; The Ukrainian Holocaust; John Allen Chau
